God Is Dead: Friedrich Nietzsche Argument

Table of Contents

Introduction
Reconstruction of the Argument
Reaction to the Argument
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

Many philosophers, researchers, and scientists have explored the problem of God or any other immaterial power that can explain humans existence. Friedrich Nietzsche, who lived during the Industrial Revolution that brought crucial changes not only to the everyday life of people but also to their thinking, claimed that God was dead (Osborn 35). The phrase that has become well-known and has been often cited comes from The Gay Science, a book written by Nietzsche in 1882 (Osborn 36). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the idea of Gods death and the argument in favor of the claim as well as to analyze them.

Reconstruction of the Argument

First of all, Nietzsche considered the fact that since ancient times, the concept of God played an important role in peoples life; hence, God existed in their minds. He was perceived as a higher being that ruled fate and encouraged and inspired humans to live bright, noble, and magnificent lives. In accordance with the views of Nietzsche, beneath ones life, there lies great suffering; that is why it is important for a person to be inspired by something (Osborn 38). In ancient times, God served as such a motivator and helped to be happy despite troubles and miseries. Therefore, Nietzsche accepted the fact that the meaning of God used to be great and people depended on him.

Further, Nietzsche pressed the point that in the course of time, the importance of the immaterial higher being decreased. Under the influence of Plato and religions such as Christianity, the power of God diminished to making people live noble lives and serving as morality or a punisher for wrong deeds (Osborn 38). In fact, the phenomena of life and environment that could not be explained by humans were ascribed to the manifestations of Gods power. For example, a drought that caused hunger and poverty was perceived as a demonstration of Gods anger. To improve the situation, it was necessary to pray and be remorseful; thus, many people got scared of God because of possible retaliation for their actions and thoughts.

Then, the philosopher claimed that technological advancement and the development of science. Many of the life and environmental phenomena that were believed to be caused by God turned out to be explained by physical laws. The health of people depended on doctors and medicine rather, not on God. Thus, Nietzsche stated that technology and science took Gods place and people do not need him anymore (Osborn 39). Hence, God is dead; besides, in the philosophers opinion, religious people are hypocrites who cannot bear the burden of the meaning of their existence.

Reaction to the Argument

In my opinion, the argument described above might be seen as a week one because it does not support the authors position. I as well as many people sometimes question if humans have truly reached such a level of technology that can explain everything happening in the world. It seems to me that even in the 21^st century, numerous questions about life, death, the universe, and the origin of the world remain unanswered despite the development of technology. That is why I disagree with the argument that technology and science have taken Gods place.

Conclusion

To sum up, Friedrich Nietzsche pressed the point that God was dead. He supported the idea with the following argument: due to technological advancement, peoples need for God vanished. This argument seems to be weak for it does not support the authors position. In spite of the advanced technology and science, humans do not understand the essence of many phenomena and hence, cannot control everything.